Aston Villa are looking to add another striker to their squad and could target Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to the Daily Mail.
Unfortunately, Villa may not have the financial room to secure a deal.
The Villains could use the 28-year-old, who is a ‘nightmare‘ for defenders, after Donyell Malen exited the club this winter.
The Birmingham-based outfit have been linked with Tammy Abraham. He is currently on loan at Besiktas.
Villa need attacking reinforcements
Relying almost exclusively on Ollie Watkins carries obvious risk. An injury or dip in form could derail months of excellent work.
Jorgen Strand Larsen is an option, although prising him away from Wolverhampton Wanderers would not be easy.
The Norwegian has shown he can operate as a focal point, link play intelligently and finish chances when service is consistent.
A move to Villa could be the reset his season needs, and Emery’s track record of improving forwards suggests he could help Strand Larsen rediscover his sharpness.
Crucially, he would offer a different profile to Watkins, giving the team tactical flexibility in tight games.
Midfield additions are equally urgent. With Boubacar Kamara now ruled out until the end of the season, the spine of the side has been weakened at a critical moment.
Villa must add steel and control in the middle if they are to protect their defence and sustain pressure up top.
Addressing both areas could define whether this promising campaign ends in success or frustration.
